New pedestrian traffic signal to debut

HAYWARD, Calif., Aug. 25, 2017—A traffic signal that is new to the Bay Area and that flashes lights to warn motorists when a pedestrian wants to cross the street is coming to a South Hayward intersection near Conley-Caraballo High School.

The new signal—called a HAWK, which stands for high-intensity, activated cross walk—is being installed on Mission Boulevard at Blanche Street to improve safety for students and others at a location that has been the scene of collisions involving pedestrians in the past.

Facing north- and south-bound traffic on Mission Boulevard, the signal, containing three bulbs, remains dark until a person on foot pushes a crossing button connected to the HAWK. Then, the signal goes through a series of flashing and solid yellow and red lights to bring motorists to a halt and that are calibrated to give pedestrians plenty of time to cross. Once the signal cycles through to flashing red and lanes are clear of pedestrians, motorists are free to proceed.

The HAWK was first developed in Tucson, Arizona, and installed in more than 60 locations in the city. A before-and-after performance study found a 69 percent decrease in collisions involving pedestrians and that 97 percent driver complied by stopping and yielding as required.

Installation of Hayward’s first HAWK, on Mission Boulevard at Blanche, is scheduled to be completed soon and powered up for use before the Aug. 30 start of classes in the New Haven Unified School District.

For more information and to download a copy of a user brochure visit the HAWK page on the City of Hayward website.